volume I

  • S. Anthony Wolfe
Lightning Source UK Ltd price £26.60 pp 477 ISBN 978-1257782154 | ISBN: 978-1-2577-8215-4

This biography, written by one of Paul Tessier's trainees, is a testament to his lifelong dedication to the field of surgery. His contributions to dentistry, plastic and reconstructive surgery, ophthalmology, oral and maxillofacial, and neurosurgery mean that all these specialties owe a great deal to Paul Tessier. It is no surprise that he is given the fond title of 'father of craniofacial surgery'.

The book follows Paul Tessier's life in chronological order covering both his career and social life. The images of cases leave one astounded by the aesthetic results achieved after correction of complex craniofacial deformities, burns reconstruction and cosmetic operations, such as the self-designed 'mask lift.' The perceived need to combine techniques from various surgical specialties is understandable. There is also mention of Paul Tessier's preference for use of autologous bone grafting; however, the book does not go into procedural details and surgical intricacies. There is a list of all of his publications at the end of the book for those who are keen to explore further.

Paul Tessier spent much of his time abroad. There are pictures and stories from his time spent in the United States in the 1970s, in Iraq, in Lebanon and in Cuba in the 1990s. These hint at a man whose surgical skills were sought after worldwide. There are also captivating pictures depicting him as a devoted family man, a racing driver and a passionate scuba diver. It is good to know that he made time for social activities despite the gruelling theatre hours he subjected himself to.

Though only a few will choose to master craniofacial surgery, this book will broaden the mind of any trainee as to what can be accomplished.